Chocolate lovers monkey around at Zoo-Bilee

Abre McMannis, 12, daughter of Jennifer and Milan McMannis, samples some of the chocolate at Chocolate Fantasia on Friday afternoon at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

STEVE LEWIS/Durango Herald

Abre McMannis, 12, daughter of Jennifer and Milan McMannis, samples some of the chocolate at Chocolate Fantasia on Friday afternoon at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

Chocolate lions and tigers and bears. Oh my!

The La Plata County Fairgrounds went wild Friday night as a crowd of 850 pigged out on chocolate.

There was no shortage of fondant animal fun at Chocolate Zoo-Bilee, the 27th annual Chocolate Fantasia, sponsored by First National Bank of Durango, that raised more than $13,000 for Volunteer of America’s Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter.

About a dozen judges licked their way through more than 40 professional, amateur and children’s displays of chocolate confections, awarding ribbons and plaques in four categories, including People’s Choice.

Animal crackers were dipped, drizzled, or displayed near carousels and circus-themed zoo trains. Some were frosted with salted caramel goat cheese, offering flavor pairings that stopped dessert-lovers in their tracks.

“We’re chocolated out,” Amy Dobbins said. Dobbins and Christine Chapin sampled confections early, before the crowd arrived. The two event volunteers, both members of Durango Young Professionals, helped by escorting judges through a jungle-themed forest of silk trees and moss-covered animal cages.

“Volunteers of America is a fantastic organization. And then there’s the chocolate. How can you beat that?” Dobbins asked.

“This is a classic Durango mix,” Dobbins said of the crowd of young and old, well-dressed and denim-clad.

Fans of Sweet Treats by Morgan were greeted by a smiling monkey and a Bananas Foster confection featuring caramelized bananas, dark chocolate and ice cream at the 27th annual Chocolate Fantasia Zoo-Bilee, Friday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

Steve Lewis/Durango Herald

Fans of Sweet Treats by Morgan were greeted by a smiling monkey and a Bananas Foster confection featuring caramelized bananas, dark chocolate and ice cream at the 27th annual Chocolate Fantasia Zoo-Bilee, Friday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.